Scholarships make college more affordable — for many students, they make it possible. Whether you’ve received a merit-based award, an athletic scholarship, or financial aid tied to academic performance, scholarships typically come with specific expectations. When a university accuses you of violating the terms and conditions of your scholarship, your funding could be on the line.
If you’re at risk of losing a scholarship, don’t wait to see what happens. An experienced student defense attorney can help you protect both your education and your financial future.
Many students assume that losing a scholarship is reserved for people who fail out of school or get caught cheating. Unfortunately, the reality is more complicated. The fine print on scholarship agreements and the way they interact with your university’s code of conduct can open the door to revocation over a wide range of issues, including:
Your university may open an honor code investigation in response to allegations, but even if they don’t, the scholarship office typically has the authority to independently determine if a situation violates the terms of your award.
The impact of a scholarship revocation can be much more than a financial setback. You may suddenly find yourself responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the allegations, you could also face academic sanctions (like probation or suspension) and become ineligible for future financial aid or scholarships.
It’s also possible that your revocation will be noted on your transcript in a way that interferes with athletic eligibility, campus leadership opportunities, and even future employment.
If your scholarship is on the line for administrative reasons, you may not realize it until you are informed by the scholarship office. However, if you’re aware that your GPA has slipped below the threshold or you’ve been notified of an impending criminal or student honor court investigation, don’t wait to strategize your defense.
Many universities don’t have a formal appeal process for scholarship revocation, so it’s crucial that you don’t take a wait-and-see approach. The right legal support can have a far-reaching impact on your education and professional life.
Although they can have tremendous real-world consequences, university proceedings are separate from the criminal justice system, and disciplinary processes vary from one school to another. Some colleges allow attorneys to be present during hearings, while others limit their role to behind-the-scenes support.
Even if your university doesn’t allow an attorney to formally represent you, hiring an experienced student lawyer is still the best strategy for securing a better outcome.
A student defense attorney can help protect your scholarship by:
Scholarship offices, honor councils, and university administrators understand the power of words. Demonstrating that you’re treating your situation with all due seriousness can go a long way toward keeping your academic career on track.
The loss of financial support may be the biggest immediate consequence of scholarship revocation, but it also represents a threat to your reputation, academic record, and future professional opportunities. Missteps in a university investigation can follow you for years, especially if you plan to apply to graduate programs or professional schools.
Don’t let a setback impact your future. An experienced student defense attorney can help you respond to university allegations in a way that minimizes long-term damage and preserves your options.
